FUNCTION: [Summary is not available for the mouse gene. This summary is for the human ortholog.] The protein encoded by this gene is a member of choline/ethanolamine kinase family which catalyzes the first step of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) biosynthesis via the cytidine diphosphate (CDP) ethanolamine pathway. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2014] PHENOTYPE: Homozygous mutation of this gene results in maternal-specific intrauterine growth retardation resulting in reduced litter size and perinatal lethality due to extensive placental thrombosis. [provided by MGI curators]